I came to Britain with my family in a long wooden boat from Germany. We are farmers, but did not own enough land there to feed ourselves. The journey across the sea was very dangerous, but in Britain we found plenty of fertile land to grow crops of wheat, barley and rye. Most people in Britain are farmers like us - and there is enough land for everyone.
We came to Britain with four other families and we all live together now, in a small village (settlement).
Everyone helped build our new houses, cutting wood and thatching the roofs with straw or reeds from the river nearby. We dug a ditch and set up a strong fence all around the settlement to protect our animals and children.
In the centre of the settlement we have built a large hall where everyone can meet to discuss important matters. We also use it to spend time together, telling stories and singing in the evening, and of course celebrating with feasts!
In my hut I cook food in the cauldron hanging from the beam over the fire, and in autumn I salt and smoke pork and fish for winter food.
Our lives are ruled by the seasons. In spring we sow beans and wheat, and flax for making linen cloth. In summer we weed the fields and shear the sheep. In autumn we harvest the crops and store them, cut hay for the animals, and repair the house roofs and walls. In winter we beat (thresh) the grain and prune our fruit trees.
On wet winter days my husband works inside, making leather boots and shoes, or combs and knife-handles from bone. I spin and weave all year, making brightly coloured clothes and blankets for my family.
We came to Britain with four other families and we all live together now, in a small village (settlement).
Everyone helped build our new houses, cutting wood and thatching the roofs with straw or reeds from the river nearby. We dug a ditch and set up a strong fence all around the settlement to protect our animals and children.
In the centre of the settlement we have built a large hall where everyone can meet to discuss important matters. We also use it to spend time together, telling stories and singing in the evening, and of course celebrating with feasts!
In my hut I cook food in the cauldron hanging from the beam over the fire, and in autumn I salt and smoke pork and fish for winter food.
Our lives are ruled by the seasons. In spring we sow beans and wheat, and flax for making linen cloth. In summer we weed the fields and shear the sheep. In autumn we harvest the crops and store them, cut hay for the animals, and repair the house roofs and walls. In winter we beat (thresh) the grain and prune our fruit trees.
On wet winter days my husband works inside, making leather boots and shoes, or combs and knife-handles from bone. I spin and weave all year, making brightly coloured clothes and blankets for my family.